Unleash The Plan!
Chris Heim, MBA
Experienced CEO | Board Director | Growth Accelerator | Traction EOS | Servant Leader | Technology Excellence | Family-Owned | Private Equity
Do you have a life goal that’s trapped in your heart and begging you to unleash the plan – yet that goal remains buried in the “someday?”
For years, I’ve have had a quiet and curious thought stirring in my mind: “Could I finish an Ironman?” I pondered it frequently, but never acted on it.?
What is Ironman? A killer combination of three primary athletic achievements: Swim (2.4 miles), Bike (112 miles), Run (26.1 miles).?
Why? This year, on the cusp of turning 50, I decided now was the time to bring this curiosity into reality and I signed up for 2 half Ironman events and one full Ironman. This is an 8-month journey of 18-20-hour weekly endurance training sessions – with a simple goal of crossing the finish line. “I want to be an Ironman.”
As it is when committing to any monumental goal, and you may have been there, setting aside the time needed to begin and then remaining steadfast to work within the constraints of an already packed schedule, to fit in training, takes great discipline and dedication.
I am not solo in my plight to add an event such as Ironman onto the calendar. I am sure many of you reading this article, have signed on to pursue as great or greater accomplishments and the commitment one makes has to be resolute for it is rigorous.
For me, training accompanies leading a company, volunteering for our city, writing thought leadership articles, maintaining a household, and spending time with friends, my wife and children. This has stretched me, grown me and gifted me. Gifted me with lessons learned from the grand adventure I have embarked upon.
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On October 2nd, the training and sacrifice will culminate at the final full Ironman event, when I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a few thousand other like-minded men and women, beneath the giant inflatable structure that marks our starting place. We will cross the threshold together and enter the 1,275-acre body of water to take those first few strokes, closing the gap on our way to the finish line.
I have spent months mentally, physically, and spiritually preparing. I have learned a great deal from setting this goal and practicing achieving it.
This introduction and subsequent articles that will follow (in three parts), are a result of my dedication to share 7 Life & Leadership Lessons I’m discovering along the way. Ironman… I can see you!
Up Next:
?Vol. 1 – Always Run Up the Hills, Rule of Thirds, and Be Kind to Yourself
? Vol. 2 – Lean In with Purpose, Get Busy, and Master the 4th?Discipline
? Vol. 3 – Chase the Goal, Savor the Journey, and Cross the Finish Line
?More soon. Gotta' go swim-bike-run! - Chris
Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Relations & Sports Sponsorships at Schwan's Company
3 年Exciting to see this. As a 2x Ironman finisher, you are approaching this with the right mindset. Personally, I can tell you that Ironman is not about racing... it's about problem solving. It's a long day and nothing goes exactly according to plan. It's how you respond in the moment that gets you across the finish line. Go get it!
Helping Founders Successfully Exit
3 年Good luck! You learn a lot about yourself training for and doing Ironmans. I used to do them and look forward to hearing about your journey. Thanks for sharing!
Account Manager - Retail Partnerships at AllOver Media
3 年You've got this Chris! I see you out there diligently swimming the lake...not to mention that it is often early in the morning, racking up your miles! You put in the time, and it will pay off! Keep it up, keep being a leader and inspiration! I can't wait to see what you accomplish!
Sharing big goals feels really vulnerable, but I often find publicly acknowledging what I am driving towards adds personal accountability. It helps remind me of my "why" when the daily grind gets heavy. Thanks for sharing, keep grinding.
Wait for it at the finish line "Chris Heim -- you are an Ironman." Good luck....